National truck accident statistics show why truck accidents are more dangerous than many other vehicle collisions

National truck accident statistics show why truck accidents are more dangerous than many other vehicle collisions

Frequently Asked Questions

The large size and heavy weight of tractor trailers are two of the critical factors that make these vehicles more dangerous to those around them than many other things on the road. This is made very clear when you look at some of the most chilling statistics provided by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) about trucking accidents.

There are approximately 500,000 truck accidents each year

From these accidents, there are approximately 5,000 deaths each year

Only about 2% of the truck collision fatalities each year are truck drivers, and the other approximately 98% are the individuals in passenger vehicles, or non-occupants such as cyclists and pedestrians

One in eight traffic fatalities involves a truck collision

In 2008, for example, 68% of all fatal truck accidents occurred in rural areas

In 2008, for example, 66% of all fatal truck accidents occurred during daylight hours

In 2000, commuters lost 98,000 hours nationally due to congestion caused by trucking accidents

Since trucks are found almost everywhere, in both rural areas and cities, and during the day and night, you are almost sure to encounter one almost every time you drive or ride in a car, or even while cycling or walking somewhere. Such encounters, as shown by these statistics, are much more dangerous for you than for the truck driver. This is because the same size and weight which make trucks dangerous to you protects the truck drivers from much harm.

When a truck is involved in a collision its size and weight not only make more severe injuries more likely, but in addition can cause larger amounts of property damage to vehicles or other structures.